“When we lay the soil of our hard lives open to the rain of grace and let joy penetrate our cracked and dry places, let joy soak into our broken skin and deep crevices, life grows."
~ Ann Voskamp

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

My Butterfly Babies

My butterfly babies–Livia and Lucy, Lucy and LiviaYour names are the windchime song of summerThe lilting dance of butterflies on the breezeYour names belong together.They are the signifier of your twin identitiesNever separated in life or deathSo my picture of you is hand in handStifling giggles, whispering secrets in a language all your own.Yet– you are not the sameAnd the only way I can know you now– in my heart–your personalities bloom.Livia, my dancerFearless, vibrantThe butterfly who soars high on the breeze,reaching for the starsA star-childStubborn, and mischievous, the instigator always!You would have led your sister into troubleand then come charging in to rescue herFierce in love, protective,my Livia.Lucy, my nestlerAs you curled up close to my heartAnd waited– quiet, patientThe butterfly who rests on a flower and pausessoaking in the beautyA sunshine-childGentle, loyal– a child of storybooks and snugglesSteadfast in loveMy Lucy.And I can't help but wonderIn those last few hours your spirits remainedDid you know what was coming?I pray, I pray, I pray there was no painOnly peace.Livia, I see you taking Lucy by the handto lead her through the door to EternityYour bold spirit eager for the adventure beyondAnd Lucy, quietly trusting, following your sister.And He was there to welcome you.Somehow, I think you both knew Him–knew the gentle touch of His shepherd's handsknew the quiet tone of the love in His voiceAnd I like to think it was His voicewhich first spoke your names to youas I would have doneAnd I like to think that it was His nail-pierced handsthat caught you up together as your daddy would have doneAnd you both laughed for joyJoy is all you'll ever know.My butterfly babies– sweet Livia and LucyI dream of the day when I walk through that doorAnd I like to think He'll be waiting for me– and so will you.I picture us running across a green fieldThe last sprint of a lifetime to reach you– the only tears now and forever are tears of joyAs I call your names like a windchime songAnd hear your voices for the first time,And His voice, rejoicing over us with singing.